Transcript for Douglas, Zeta-Jones Take a Break: Can Time Apart Save Your Marriage?

Paula has more on this. And the question is, can a break like that save the marriage? Sam, you were talking about this earlier. They have weathered so many tough times, from his throat cancer to her bipolar disorder. They are taking time apart to see if they want to weather their biggest storm yet, the threat of ending their 13-year marriage. They're the high-powered movie star match. A love story fit for film. But this morning, catherine zeta-jones and michael douglas have officially announced they are hitting the pause button on their 13-year marriage. His throat cancer and her bipolar disorder created a perfect storm of issues that were hard to overcome. Reporter: Jones and douglas are not filing for divorce. Instead, the actors are joining a growing list of a-list married couples that have taken time apart. From rhea perlman and danny DeVITO. To billy ray cyrus and his wife, tish. I think taking a break is an excellent idea. If you file for any legal papers, that creates anxiety. And anxiety is what's causing the problems to start with. Reporter: Some experts say informal separations have a 50% success rate of saving relationships. I think the break is most effective when it's cold turkey. If you're communicating, you don't get the benefit of the separation. Reporter: As for couples who took a break before they got married, like justin and jessica, kate and william, they eventually walked down the aisle to wedded bliss. And now, 17 years after a finalized divorce, fergie and prince andrew are reportedly rekindling their romance. Speculation swirling another royal wedding may be imminent. Experts they the relationship recesses take time, on coverage, about three months. A 90-day break I think is significant enough to step back and feel your feelings and live a little bit without the partner. Reporter: Again, we want to stress they are, quote, just taking time apart to evaluate and work on their marriage. But they have two, young children. A 13-year-old and 10-year-old. And those close to them, say they're holding out hope they can work it out. Two good reasons to try to work it out.

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